City Manager Unfiltered

For many months, I have been trying to coax and cajole Troy Body into starting his own podcast or at the very least becoming a regular, recurring guest on my podcast. I have wanted to provide a platform for the Hopkinsville, Kentucky city manager and give him a voice. He has interesting perspectives and opinions you will not find anywhere else regarding local government and city management and he often shares these "hot takes" on the "Black City Managers" LinkedIn page. The plan is to roll out a series of interviews with Troy so that he can get a sense of whether he would like to do his own podcast and help him build a pre-launch audience if he decides to venture out on his own. Building listenership for a podcast is incredibly difficult. If you enjoy this new series, please let us know by going to BlackCityManagers.org and leaving a comment. SHOW NOTES: The LinkedIn page for "Black City Managers" Website for "Black City Managers" Troy Body's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For nearly 20 years, Blaine Oborn had an unblemished record as a city manager serving in multiple states. That all changed when he became the city administrator in Oak Harbor, Washington. He assumed his duties as the city was at the very tail end of a wastewater plant project that had tripled in costs from $50 million to $150 million under the leadership of Cathy Rosen, the public works director. She would go on to level unsubstantiated accusations that masked her religious bigotry toward Blaine, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. These claims were embellish and exaggerated by the publisher of the local paper. She had previously applied for a job with the city and was rejected by Oborn. These horrible, baseless accusations have been amplified in newspaper articles, tainted his Google footprint, and severely hurt him in job searches. In this episode, he seeks to set the record straight and repair the damage done to his reputation. SHOW NOTES: Blaine Oborn's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Joe Dessenberger grew up with a father who worked seven days a week until he died rather suddenly after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 62. His father had a vision of what his life would be like in retirement, but never got to enjoy it. In this emotionally charged episode, we discuss the indelible influence of his father's journey through life and how that has shaped his mindset. Additionally, we discuss the sobering impact of his heart attack at the age of 51 and how these life experiences govern his thinking with respect to retirement and spending time with the people he loves most. It is my belief that everyone who listens to this episode will gain something of value from it. SHOW NOTES: Joe Dessenberger's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

San Leandro Public Information Officer Paul Sanftner has a fantastic public safety idea that would help local government agencies during emergencies and save lives. But he needs your help! He is trying to persuade YouTube to add an emergency alert feature to their platform so that authorities can communicate important life-saving messages during natural disasters, civil disturbances, and other serious events that pose a danger to life and property. Our emergency alert systems are a step behind the technological advances that have fragmented how news is disseminated and consumed. Please give this episode a listen and more importantly sign his letter of support and share it with other public sector executives. SHOW NOTES: Paul Sanftner's LinkedIn Profile Sign on as a signatory to his letter of support here Check Out Paul's YouTube Video where he talks about this "Super Commute" AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Suzanne Goode dropped 10 voicemail messages on her city manager in the span of 24 hours demanding that he edit or unpublish an official public meeting from their YouTube account. Why? Because another commissioner publicly shamed her for being toxic and abusive toward fellow commissioners and staff at a subcommittee meeting to discuss a Civility in the Workplace policy after she was outed for suggesting the city manager was they mayor's whore. In these voicemail messages, which we share with you to listen for yourself, Goode argues she was slandered and defamed and suggests she may sue. That is -- when she is not getting cut off by the recording a la Jon Favreau's character in Swingers. AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this powerful episode, Jeff Fiegenschuh talks about his approach to community engagement, connecting with staff, and building relationships with his elected officials as the city manager for Rochelle, Illinois. What prompted my desire to interview Jeff was the fact that he contributes a monthly column to his local paper and I believe most executives fail to take advantage of this effective technique to connect with residents, showcase the work of staff, and elevate the standing of their elected officials. Jeff also sits down for regular interviews with the local radio station and encourages his staff to participate in interviews with the radio station, too. While discussing his love for Star Wars, tattoos, and the Boston Red Sox, Jeff also touches on how important it is for public sector executives to have a life and an identity outside of work. SHOW NOTES Link to Jeff Fiegenschuh's LinkedIn profile AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In a couple of months, the American Association of Municipal Executives will be launching an online directory that will allow candidates to rate and review executive recruiters and recruitment firms. Under the current system, there is no mechanism or vehicle in place to give candidates a voice or to allow their concerns to be raised or addressed. By creating this directory, the AAME will be able to communicate the concerns of its members to HR directors and elected officials as they go through the RFP process and help influence their decision making process. The ultimate goal is to help create a recruitment process that compels the recruiters to treat candidates better and punish those that do not give the candidates the respect and professional courtesy they deserve. SHOW NOTES Link to fundraiser and benefit auction Facebook page for Roxton, Texas city manager Janet Wheeler. Flyer includes QR code for Venmo donations being collected by Monica Helm or you can Venmo here: @monicahelm Link to GiveSendGo fundraiser for Scott Whitaker's legal fund. He is the former town manager for Summerfield, North Carolina. AAME MEMBERSHIP: To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/ AAME JOB BOARD: The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Perry City Manager Nathan Read wanted to make it easier for residents to decipher the legalese of city ordinances and codes. So with the help of his best friend and business partner, they built CityOrdinanceAI and are now offering it up as a product for other city managers and local governments to purchase. In this episode, we talk about his journey from Utah to Oklahoma to accept his first gig as a city manager, the role housing costs played in his decision, and the trials and tribulations of seeking to raise water rates by 70% during his first 18-months in the position. If you are a government employee with a side hustle or project that you would like to share with my audience, please get in touch. I love using my platform to help others achieve their goals. SHOW NOTES Nathan Read's LinkedIn Page CityOrdinanceAI.com Perry, Oklahoma website AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ AAME Membership Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

On Friday, Baker Tilly Executive Recruitment announced they were going out of business. It was the culmination of two years worth of work highlighting their poor treatment of candidates and mediocre work product. It all started in July 2023 when I published my first podcast episode about the Canfield, Ohio search. Just a few months earlier, Baker Tilly had purchased Management Partners out of Ohio and were seemingly expanding their dominance in the local government sector. Back then I had fewer than 500 followers and Baker Tilly appeared too big to fail and I was out of mind to even think of publicly criticizing one of the largest recruitment firms in the game. While I am happy to have engineered their collapse -- now what? SHOW NOTES Previous episodes about Baker Tilly: What the hell is going on in Canfield, Ohio? | Ep. 06 Who will hold Baker Tilly and other recruiters accountable? | Ep. 09 Baker Tilly Hides Dirty Secret from Hutchinson City Manager Candidates Baker Tilly Gets Embarrassed in Deltona, Florida | Ep. 25 AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ AAME Membership Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Some shocking details concerning La Marque Councilman Joseph Lowry surfaced this week. Hayley Winkelmann is leading the effort to recall the controversial official and she shared some court records with the podcast. On July 24th, Lowry's ex-wife obtained a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order in the State of Washington. The court found her claims credible and they are horrific. Additionally, Winkelmann located official documents indicating that Lowry may be ineligible to hold office because he has multiple felony convictions. You can find links to these documents in the show notes below. SHOW NOTES Link to Hayley Winkelmann's Facebook Page Link to her Recall Joseph Lowry Facebook page Protection Order (Domestic Violence) Against Joseph Lowry Joseph Lowry's Candidate for Public Office Form Mention of Joseph Lowry's 1997 Felony Theft Conviction AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ AAME Membership Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Authorities arrested the former city manager for La Marque, Texas on Saturday. A warrant for the arrest of J.B. Pritchett had been issued about a week prior on charges related to felony arson and tampering with evidence and misdemeanor charges related to allegedly lying about his education and military service on his job applications and resume. In this episode, i45Now reporter T.J. Aulds discusses what he has found during his investigative reporting on the matter, including an examination of Pritchett's resumes and applications, as well as a detailed breakdown of the probable cause affidavits submitted by authorities. Pritchett has been released on a $90,000 bond and is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. SHOW NOTES TJ Aulds' LinkedIn Profile i45Now Facebook Page AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ AAME Membership Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This week a warrant was issued for the arrest of former La Marque city manager, J.B. Pritchett. He is facing five charges, of which two are felonies. How in the hell did we get here? To an outsider, the small Texas town of La Marque seems like a chaotic, toxic mess. Many people point their fingers at a councilman by the name of Joseph Lowry who has a brash, combative, and in your face style that rubs many the wrong way. Originally from the state of Washington where he served time in prison for distribution of methamphetamines, and fancies himself a "citizen journalist." He filed a complaint with his police department about Pritchett, accusing him of lying on his application about his education and military service. In this episode, i45Now reporter T.J. Aulds breaks down the backstory and Lowry's history. Next week, we will delve into the specific issues surrounding the charges facing Pritchett. SHOW NOTES TJ Aulds' LinkedIn Profile i45Now Facebook Page AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ AAME Membership Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode, I share a personal update about my legal matters and mental health. I also tease the release of my new book called: The City Manager's Guide to Contract Negotiations. AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ AAME Membership Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Former Sacramento Councilman Jeff Harris returns to the show to discuss the challenges facing the next city manager. Harris served on the council from 2014-2022 and writes regular columns about the machinations of City Hall. In Part 1, he defended the record of former city manager, Howard Chan. This week, we take a deep dive into the organization itself to give prospective candidates and curious onlookers the inside scoop. SHOW NOTES Jeff Harris' LinkedIn Profile AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ AAME Membership Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Got a unique episode this week. Former Sacramento Councilman Jeff Harris comes on the show to defend his former city manager, Howard Chan. Harris served on the council from 2014-2022 and was on the council when Chan was selected to lead their community. He knows the ins-and-outs of Sacramento politics and the truth behind the motives and machinations of the key players. Most importantly, he knows Chan's record and his accomplishments. Over the last two years or so, Howard has been savagely attacked and denigrated by members of his governing body and columnists at the Sacramento Bee. Though I have made some impassioned statements Howard's defense, most notable in Episode 106, I am admittedly biased. Jeff sat down with me to clear up the record when it comes to all the smears and dishonest attacks leveled against Howard. Do not miss this one! SHOW NOTES Jeff Harris' LinkedIn Profile AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ AAME Membership Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We continue our conversation with the always entertaining Tim Rundel in this second installment. Tim has not just seen a thing or two, he has personally endured some incredibly challenging and professionally traumatic situations. In this powerful episode, he talks about how we as city managers carry the trauma of abuse and betrayal to our next position and that it is quite easy to become "gun shy" or lose your self-confidence. He opens the interview by recounting a conversation with a peer who has recently experienced a couple of brutal and extremely short tenures. And toward the end of the conversation Tim talks about how we as executives need to value ourselves and appreciate our worth. He says "we're the cookie" and we should not be giving it away. If you did not get a chance to catch my first interview with Tim way back in Episode 8 of the podcast, it is a must listen. It is one of the funniest interviews I have ever done and in it we talk about his efforts to get a sitcom about a small town city manager made a la The Office Space. You can check that out here: https://www.citymanagerunfiltered.com/e/city-of-weed-sitcom-about-city-manager-life-tim-rundel-ep-08/ SHOW NOTES Tim Rundel's LinkedIn Profile Links to Tim's Documentaries: Brother Valentine: Producer/Director An Oklahoma family is ripped apart after their 15-year-old son brutally murders his older sister in 1974. Controversy swirls around the case after his parents decide to hire a prominent defense attorney to keep him out of jail. https://vimeo.com/147941222 Calls to Okies: The Park Grubbs Story. Executive Producer. In the early 1980's a group of Oklahoma teenagers mastered the art of prank phone calls and became legends. : https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2016/10/03/park-grubbs-story/ The B'CATS (Bryan County Alternative Transportation Society): Producer/Director Venturing into the lives of a peculiar subculture in southern Oklahoma, a former city manager encounters a group of locals who have found an unconventional means of transportation through the use of riding lawn mowers. https://youtu.be/VCuR7oWVYVQ AAME Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

One new council member can turn everything on its head and send you heading for the exits when you are a city manager. Tim Rundel, the former city manager for the City of Weed, recounts his experience with this elected official who also happened to be married to one of his employees. We talk about the importance of building relationships with your governing body, how elected officials need to police themselves and call out bad behavior in the name of defending their city manager, and how city attorneys are not your friend. This is part one of a two part series. If you did not get a chance to catch my first interview with Tim way back in Episode 8 of the podcast, it is a must listen. It is one of the funniest interviews I have ever done and in it we talk about his efforts to get a sitcom about a small town city manager made a la The Office Space. You can check that out here: https://www.citymanagerunfiltered.com/e/city-of-weed-sitcom-about-city-manager-life-tim-rundel-ep-08/ SHOW NOTES Tim Rundel's LinkedIn Profile Links to Tim's Documentaries: Brother Valentine: Producer/Director An Oklahoma family is ripped apart after their 15-year-old son brutally murders his older sister in 1974. Controversy swirls around the case after his parents decide to hire a prominent defense attorney to keep him out of jail. https://vimeo.com/147941222 Calls to Okies: The Park Grubbs Story. Executive Producer. In the early 1980's a group of Oklahoma teenagers mastered the art of prank phone calls and became legends. : https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2016/10/03/park-grubbs-story/ The B'CATS (Bryan County Alternative Transportation Society): Producer/Director Venturing into the lives of a peculiar subculture in southern Oklahoma, a former city manager encounters a group of locals who have found an unconventional means of transportation through the use of riding lawn mowers. https://youtu.be/VCuR7oWVYVQ AAME Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Brian Daily was the first person I ever hired as a city manager and it was one of the most impactful decisions I have ever made in my professional career. He is an amazing, inquisitive public servant who continually seeks to provide value to taxpayers. He is insanely curious and truly embodies the ethos of a "working executive" who is not afraid to roll his sleeves up and do the heavy lifting required of a small town executive. In this episode, we talk about three major areas of accomplishment as the city administrator for the Kansas community of Medicine Lodge. Daily is a rising star and you are going to enjoy this episode. SHOW NOTES Brian Daily's LinkedIn Profile AAME Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Picture this scenario. Staff have worked for a year to bring a project or initiative to the finish line. There have been public meetings and notices, multiple discussions at council meetings, and even some news articles published in the local paper. Out of the blue, a handful of vocal social media commenters start lighting up the city's social media page and local news groups are atwitter as these critics misrepresent the facts of the project and attack the council for not being transparent and seeking feedback from residents. This results in a dozen or more residents attending the next council meeting with four of them attacking the council and staff under the guise of simply seeking transparency. Then the council, caught off guard and reeling from the "onslaught" of public comment decide to table or postpone the issue. Then they direct the city manager and staff to re-engage the public and seek feedback. It's demoralizing and time consuming. It sucks the life out of employees. Sam Toles of CiviSocial joins me on the program to talk about a future initiative aimed at educating and training elected officials about social media, how to interpret criticism, and how to raise these concerns with staff in a healthy and constructive manner. If you are interested in learning more, please fill out this brief survey so we can get your feedback: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBe7LOFFXi2C_ezW4haJJqU-iPk7_n61sgKelfnLQDDgMK1w/viewform SHOW NOTES Claim your FREE copy of "The Social Media Playbook for City & County Managers" at this link: https://civisocial.com/the-social-media-playbook Sam Toles' LinkedIn profile Link to CiviSocial website Sam previously appeared on the following episodes: Episode 67: Your City is Doing Social Media Wrong Episode 68: Keyboard Warriors & Social Media Terrorists AAME Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is the purpose of social media and why does your organization have a social media presence? In this episode, Sam Toles of CiviSocial and I discuss this issue at length and make a powerful case for why every city and county manager should make sure their organization is doing social media correctly. Not only are there personal and professional benefits, but it can help improve employee morale and job satisfaction, retention, and keep your elected officials happy. Sam is on a mission to help city managers and other public sector executives level up their organization's social media presence. He recently released his new book and podcast listeners can claim their FREE copy by clicking on the link below. SHOW NOTES Claim your FREE copy of "The Social Media Playbook for City & County Managers" at this link: https://civisocial.com/the-social-media-playbook Sam Toles' LinkedIn profile Link to CiviSocial website Sam previously appeared on the following episodes: Episode 67: Your City is Doing Social Media Wrong Episode 68: Keyboard Warriors & Social Media Terrorists AAME Waitlist Sign Up Link: https://app.youform.com/forms/f9ulo0uh AAME JOB BOARD: The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: City Manager News & Job Boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/"Buy Me A Coffee" link Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.